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Nendran banana chips (upperi)

AI-drafted · awaiting admin review

Thin rounds of raw nendran banana fried in coconut oil and salted while frying, Kerala’s best-known snack and a sadya item.

Region: KeralaOccasion: Onam sadya; snacks and giftsTime: 40 minServes: About 500 g chipsVegan

Ingredients

  • 4 raw (green) nendran bananas
  • ½ tsp turmeric (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt dissolved in 3 tbsp water
  • Coconut oil for deep-frying

Method

  1. Peel the bananas and rub them with turmeric, if using.
  2. Heat the coconut oil. Slice the bananas thinly straight into the hot oil.
  3. Fry on medium-high heat, stirring, until the bubbles subside.
  4. Sprinkle a spoon of the salt water into the oil; it will splutter, so stand back.
  5. Fry until crisp, drain on paper and cool completely before storing in an airtight jar.

History

Frying banana slices in coconut oil is a long-established Kerala method; the salt is added as brine into the oil so it coats every chip evenly.

Significance

Chips are served on the Onam sadya leaf alongside sharkara varatti, and packets of Kerala chips are a popular gift for visitors.

Sources